Sunset in Kemer. Turkey, 2002

Simon Kozhin  

The artist painted this study from life—en plein air—in 2002 in Kemer, Turkey, in a single session.
The primary subject of the painting is a dramatic coastal landscape. Dominating the middle ground is a verdant, tree-covered hillside or cliff that juts out into the water. The top edge of this landmass is defined by rugged, rocky formations, suggesting a natural, untamed environment. Along the base of this hillside, a settlement is visible, marked by scattered lights that indicate buildings and perhaps infrastructure. In the foreground, a body of water, likely the sea, stretches across the frame, reflecting the soft hues of the sky. A small, solitary sailboat with a white sail is positioned on the water, providing a subtle point of human presence within the vastness of nature.
The background consists of a wide expanse of sky that transitions in color from a pale lavender-pink near the horizon to a muted, soft blue higher up. The horizon line where the sky meets the distant landmass is clearly defined. Beyond the immediate coastal features, the sky suggests the vastness of the atmosphere. The painting is presented within an ornate, gilded frame that is decorative and adds to the overall presentation of the artwork. The frame features elaborate carved detailing, including floral motifs and scrollwork, in shades of gold and distressed grey-blue.
The lighting is soft and diffused, characteristic of sunset or twilight. The light source appears to be low on the horizon, casting a gentle glow that illuminates the scene from the left and front. There are no harsh shadows, indicating an even, atmospheric light. The subtle gradations of color in the sky and the soft reflections on the water suggest that the light is not direct but rather ambient, likely from the setting sun. The illuminated lights of the settlement on the shore are rendered as small, warm points, suggesting they are artificial and stand out against the fading natural light.
The color palette is predominantly cool and muted, with soft pastels and desaturated tones, reflecting the time of day. The sky is a blend of pale lavender, soft pink, and a gentle, hazy blue. The sea is rendered in muted purples, blues, and greys, mirroring the sky and suggesting calm, still water. The hillside is depicted in rich, deep greens and blues, with the rocky outcrops showing earthy tones of grey and ochre. The settlements lights are warm specks of yellow and orange, creating a contrast against the cooler tones of the landscape. The overall effect is serene and tranquil.
The composition is horizontally oriented, emphasizing the breadth of the seascape and the shoreline. The landmass cuts diagonally across the frame, creating a sense of depth and leading the viewers eye from left to right. The rule of thirds can be observed, with the prominent landmass positioned roughly along the lower horizontal third and extending towards the right side of the frame. The sailboat in the foreground acts as a visual anchor and a point of interest, placed off-center to create balance. The calm water in the foreground, combined with the distant landmass and the sky, creates layers and depth within the image. The horizon line is placed relatively low in the frame, giving prominence to the sky and its subtle color transitions.
The painting evokes a sense of peace, tranquility, and perhaps nostalgia. The soft, fading light of sunset creates a serene and contemplative mood. The vastness of the natural landscape, juxtaposed with the small, distant settlement and the solitary sailboat, suggests themes of human presence within nature, the passage of time, and the quiet beauty of the natural world. The artwork communicates a moment of calm observation, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the subtle beauty of a coastal evening. The title itself, "Sunset in Kemer," grounds the scene in a specific location, adding a layer of familiarity or aspiration for those who know or dream of such places. The overall impression is one of gentle beauty and quietude.
Exhibition:
2012 “Visible Images”, personal exhibition at the exhibition hall of the Russian Auction House in Gostiny Dvor, Moscow.
2024 The exhibition "Tail-wind". Museum and exhibition complex "Academy of Watercolor and Fine Arts of Sergey Andriaka". (Moscow)
Publication:
Семён Кожин. Зримые образы: [каталог персональной выставки] / Российский аукционный дом. – СПб.: Рекламное агентство MCMG, 2012. – 32 с. Page 17
Цветнова Т.Е. Семён Кожин. – М.: Белый город, Воскресный день 2016. – 208 с. – (Русская традиция). Page 140